Starbucks first UK franchisee, 23.5 Degrees, opens its 100th store in Tamworth, Staffordshire, 10 years after launching its first Starbucks in Liphook, Hampshire in 2013.
This latest store (pictured) opening is part of 23.5 Degrees ambitious expansion programme, which has a strong pipeline of approved stores and plans to reach 300 outlets by 2027.
The company says it is actively seeking both freehold and leasehold drive thru opportunities on main arterial routes, close to major retail destinations or on large industrial estates.
Mark Hepburn, managing director of 23.5 Degrees, said: “In just 10 years we have built this company from one store to 100 and are excited to have reached such a major milestone in our company’s history.
“We’re able to move fast on great new sites. Furthermore, our use of modular design and build enables our landlords to have our stores trading faster. We’re keeping our foot on the gas and will continue to create spaces that foster connection, build bridges between communities, and champion the values that define us – aiming to reach 300 stores in the next four years.”
23.5 Degrees adds that it will also consider retail parks and drive-to destinations, in addition to high street units in prominent high footfall locations.
Celebrating the store opening, Hepburn added: “We look to the future with optimism and remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, diversity and social responsibility. We could not have achieved our success without our investors, contractors and Starbucks itself. Most importantly, I’d like to thank our partners who have delivered day in and day out to ensure we continue to serve our customers and build the business.”
23.5 Degrees says it has invested more than £35m in the UK economy to date through building and buying outlets, and has more than 1,785 partners working in store, having started from scratch in 2013.
Posted: 2nd July, 2023